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Getting to Grips with Gout

Author: ANCP
Date Posted:10 May 2016

Gout is a form of arthritis that tends to affect one joint at a time. It is characterised by the sudden onset of pain, inflammation and swelling of the affected joint, which is often the big toe, ankle or knee.

What causes gout?

Gout is caused by high blood levels of uric acid, a by-product created during the body’s metabolism of foods containing compounds called purines.

Under normal circumstances, uric acid is dissolved in the bloodstream, filtered out by the kidneys and excreted in your urine. However, when there are excessive uric acid levels in the blood, it causes needle-like crystals to form, which may be deposited in the small joints, soft tissues, tendons, kidneys and other tissues. The crystals inflame the affected joint, causing severe pain, swelling, debility and damage.

Who gets gout?

Gout affects more men than women, usually after the age of 45, and becomes increasingly common as we age. Although it is less common in women, it does occur, predominantly after menopause. Among others, risk factors for the development of gout include:

Having diabetes, metabolic syndrome or high blood pressure.

Being obese.

Consuming large quantities of alcohol.

Genetic factors (for example, people of Maori descent are genetically predisposed to experiencing episodes of gout).

How can I prevent gout?

Diet plays a significant role in causing gout, and may also help to prevent it or reduce the severity of attacks, so following these tips is a great way to start:

Reduce your intake of purines by reducing your intake of red meat, organ meats and shellfish and other forms of seafood.

Include regular servings of low-fat dairy products in your diet, as a higher intake of low-fat dairy products was associated with a lower risk of gout in a large research study.